Manchester United battle Manchester City for Bukayo Saka

Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka to upgrade their attacking firepower.

According to Fichajes, there is considerable interest from Manchester United and Manchester City in Bukayo Saka. Arsenal consider the youngster one of their most important players and are unlikely to entertain approaches in the summer.

Bukayo Saka has become a sensational footballer after taking steady steps from the Arsenal academy onto the senior team. Under Mikel Arteta, he has become a full-fledged England international and played for his country at UEFA Euro 2020, missing the crucial penalty in the final against Italy.

Despite the heartbreak in July, Saka has come back stronger than ever and is on course to finish the season on a high, possibly as Arsenal’s top goalscorer. The English forward has 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League this season and has started attracting the interest of England’s biggest clubs.

Liverpool’s long-standing interest is well known to the media, and there have been reports of admiration from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Manchester United are now getting mentioned as possible suitors for the English forward, who will enter the final two years of his current Arsenal deal.

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Arsenal are keen to hand Saka a bumper new contract in the summer, as Arteta wants him in the team for years to come. The 20-year-old will command a massive salary, something the Gunners will be open to paying to keep him on board. His future with the north Londoners may also have been dependent on the manager’s, which has effectively resolved.

Arteta signed a new deal this week, which might boost Arsenal’s chances of retaining young stars like Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The signal from the English forward’s camp has been positive, with the 20-year-old reportedly wanting a stay at Arsenal.

Nevertheless, Manchester United and Manchester City are keen to take their chances by approaching Arsenal for the 20-year-old winger. The Red Devils are keen on recruiting exciting young talents for the attacking unit to begin their reign under Erik ten Hag.

Paying big transfer fees may not be a problem for Manchester United, but convincing Arsenal to let go of one of their best players could be one. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has admired Saka for some time. The Manchester City boss will look to improve his squad in the summer, as some current stars may leave. Raheem Sterling is one of those, who could depart after a few months of uncertainty.

Also Read: Mikel Arteta: Arsenal deal a blueprint for measured success

The English international has one year left on his deal, and he could leave on a free transfer in 2023, which is why Guardiola wants Saka to replace him at Manchester City. With Arsenal on the rise, the Gunners know the importance of keeping hold of players like Saka. It is highly unlikely that Arsenal will entertain any approaches for the 20-year-old, and they are confident of a longer stay for their star forward.

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